DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo and NPC President Lydia Bueno lead the oath-taking of the new set of officers of MPDPC, composed of (right to left) Edd Gumban of Philippine Star, President; Jocelyn Domenden of Remate, Director; Jonas Sulit of Abante, Vice President; Norman Araga of Manila Standard, Director; Gina Mape of DWWW, Secretary; Mik Alquinto of Manila Times. Director; Justine Punzalan of TV5, Director; Jonjon Reyes of People’s Journal/Tonight, Treasurer; Richard Reyes of Daily Inquirer, Director; and Crismon Heramis of Remate, Auditor. Not in photo are Miguel Antonio De Guzmam of Phil. Star and Mores Heramis of ABS-CBN. Photo by JR REYES
Sec. Tulfo vows aid for media
DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo vowed to respond to the needs of all legitimate members of the media and their immediate family.
This was revealed by Tulfo during the induction ceremony of the new set of officers of the Manila Police District Press Corps (MPDPC), led by its president, Edd Gumban of Philippine Star, on Friday afternoon at the Lido de Paris Hotel in Ongpin St. Sta Cruz, where he was the guest of honor and inducting officer.
“Hindi naman mayayaman ang mga reporters and photographers. Alam ko ‘yan because I was once a police beat reporter and I know their predicaments,” Tulfo, who also became president of the MPDPC, said in his speech.
He told the officers and members of MPDPC and media practitioners who attended the event that the DSWD will be willing to extend any kind of assistance, from hospitalization, medical, educational, transportation and even burial assistance, not only to the legitimate members of the press but to their immediate family.
“Hindi lang asawa, magulang, at anak ninyo, maging ang apo ninyo, tutulungan natin kung ano man ang kanilang pangangailangan,” Tulfo said which drew applause from the members of the media.
He, however, pleaded to the members of the media to help and work with the government which is still facing challenges due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
He said it cannot be denied that media, considered as fourth estate, is the most powerful entity that can influence the politics and society in many ways.
“Maski sino, kahit ang Presidente, kayang yanigin ng media. Look at the Watergate Scandal where media played in uncovering the scandal that force US President Richard Nixon to resign. Pero pakiusap ko lang po, don’t use that power to spread falsehoods and instead be responsible and fair in reporting,” Tulfo said.
Also at the induction ceremony were Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, DSWD Usec. Jericho Javier, Asec. Rommel Lopez, National Press Club President Lydia Buena, P/Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay who represented MPD Acting Director P/BGen. Andre Dizon, Mr. Andy Co, owner of Lido de Paris Hotel who served as sponsor, Vincent Chan and Cesar Go.
The new set of officers also presented a plaque of appreciation to Tulfo, Servo and Bueno while a posthumous plaque of recognition was also presented to the family member of former MPDPC Presidents Edong Reyes and Francis “Kiko” Naguit.
